TVGuide reports:

The Grey's Anatomy season-ender may have appeared to pave the way for Isaiah Washington to quietly exit stage left, but don't be surprised if MIA Preston Burke scrubs back in come the fall. While an ABC rep would not comment on either the story line or Washington's status, the actor's spokesperson tells the Associated Press, "We fully expect to be back. The deal's not done, but we have no reason to believe he won't be putting on the scrubs."

So...will he return or not? Better yet, will he really return that soon?